Fantasy Football round 16 preview

BY THE DON Galway Advertiser, Thu, Dec 07, 2017

It is December which means the Premier League matches are coming thick and fast.

Fantasy managers had a nervous few nights midweek as their players navigated the final group games of the the Champions League and Europa League. But the weekend is nearly upon us and it is back to the bread and butter of the Galway Advertiser Tribal Leader League in association with St Anthony's and Claddagh Credit Union.

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool ) v Everton

It is hard to believe that some managers do not have the excellent Egyptian in their squads in spite of his red hot form this season. Twelve goals and four assists have Salah as the most valuable player in the league. On Sunday, the midfielder will get his first taste of the Merseyside derby when Liverpool host Everton at Anfield. Although Everton's fortunates have improved, two wins over West Ham and Huddersfield, I can see only one winner with Salah being the Toffees' tormentor-in-chief. Get him in your team.

Eden Hazard (Chelsea ) v West Ham

Seriously how good is the brilliant Belgian? Ask Newcastle, he tore them asunder last Saturday. This weekend it is West Ham in the firing line as they host Hazard and the Blues. David Moyes' men had a much improved outing against league leaders Man City on Sunday, however, they still went down 2-1. With so much energy expended on that game in Manchester and an inability to keep a clean sheet, I fear it could get messy for the Hammers at the London Stadium at Saturday lunch time. I expect goals and assists from Hazard so make him your captain for double points.

Alexandre Lacazette (Arsenal ) v Southampton

When Arsene Wenger plays the Frenchman, he always has an impact on the match. Last weekend, Lacazette was the only man to breach David De Gea's forcefield around United's net and I feel the striker will once again trouble the scorekeepers at St Mary's as Arsenal take on a Southampton side which has not kept a clean sheet in six games. Trust me, Lacazette will not let you down.